Join Celeste Carmichael on March 18th at 3:30pm as she presents her 4-H Bridging research demonstrating the value of pairing 4-H classroom enrichment programs with home experiences.
Abstract:
Research suggests that when schools acknowledge the value of at-home and out-of-school (OST) learning, parents and teachers are more likely to support informal education to foster youth interests and skills. This recognition correlates with improved student readiness for classroom learning. Despite the abundance of OST learning opportunities, research on structured programs that intentionally bridge OST experiences with formal school settings remains limited. The 4-H Bridging Project was developed to address this gap to study the impact of integrating classroom activities with OST experiences. The project introduced a ten-week, classroom-based intervention in seven 4th-grade classrooms across four rural school districts in New York State. Activities included guest nature experts, hands-on learning, and guided family discussions at home. A qualitative study assessed the program’s influence on student interest and engagement through interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations. Findings indicated that students developed increased curiosity for non-required OST activities, heightened engagement in school, and enthusiasm for sharing observations with parents, teachers, and 4-H staff. Results suggest that structured connections between formal and OST learning can enhance student engagement, foster a culture of inquiry, and encourage broader participation in both academic and civic activities.
Comments